That evening, Eleanor was finishing up some work when, at nine o''clock, she received a message from Mansfield: he''d already arrived in Ashford City, and would be joining her for the flight to Kingston the next morning.


    "I''ll pick you up at eight and drive you to the airport."


    Eleanor hated to trouble him, but since Mansfield had made all the arrangements, she couldn''t very well refuse. She replied, "Alright, thanks."


    This trip to Kingston was for a private dinner hosted by the Secretary of State-an event of the highest level. She needed to be thoroughly prepared.


    York had already spoken with her. The Secretary''s purpose this time was to learn about breakthroughs in brainputer interface technology and discuss the future direction of medical science.


    That night, Evelyn was already staying over at Goodwin Manor. Wanting to be in top form, Eleanor went to bed right on schedule.


    At dawn, Mansfield arrived at her doorstep, punctual as ever. He wore a dark trench coat, giving him a touch of unstudied elegance.


    "Morning," Mansfield greeted her with a smile.


    "Good morning." Eleanor returned his smile, her suitcase neatly waiting beside her.


    "Mr. Ellington, have you had breakfast yet? Would you like toe in and eat something?" Joslyn called out warmly from the hallway.


    "Thank you, I''ve already eaten." Mansfield declined politely, stepping inside to take Eleanor''s suitcase. "Let''s get going."


    They set off for the airport, Mansfield driving straight through the quiet city streets. This time, they were flyingmercial.


    As the car cruised smoothly down the airport road, Eleanor felt a flutter of nerves.


    Mansfield nced over, easily picking up on her mood. "Nervous?"


    “A little,” Eleanor admitted. “It''s my first time attending a meeting like this."


    He offered a reassuring smile. “Don''t worry. My father''s a big fan of your research.


    He mainly wants to hear your ideas on the future of medicine."


    That helped. Eleanor nodded, feeling herself rx a bit.


    At the airport, Mansfield led her through the VIP entrance. They''d barely set foot


    in the lounge when Eleanor''s steps faltered-she spottedn and Dr. York deep in conversation.


    "What a coincidence, Eleanor,” York said with a genial smile. “You''re on this flight too?"


    Eleanor returned the smile as she approached. "Dr. Windsor."


    York''s eyes flicked curiously to Mansfield. "And this is...?"


    "He''s Mansfield, he''s " Eleanor hesitated, unsure how to introduce him given the sensitivity around his identity.


    "Dr. Windsor, it''s a pleasure. I''m Mansfield. My father is Garth Ellington," he said, extending a hand with practiced confidence.


    York''s eyes widened in astonishment. So this was the Secretary''s son!


    a few seconds. "Major General Ellington. It''s been a while."


    "It has indeed, Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield replied with polite formality.


    The tension in the air was so thick it was almost palpable. York, sensing the shift, quickly tried to lighten the atmosphere. "Well, what are the odds? Eleanor, I wanted to go over a few points with you about tonight''s report—"


    Before Eleanor could answer, the lounge doors swung open and two more people entered: Henry and Vanessa.


    "We''ve got business in Kingston,n," Henry replied.


    Vanessa, still looking a bit frail after her recent illness, was wrapped in a beige cashmere coat that only highlighted her delicate beauty. When she sawn, delight flickered in her eyes-until she noticed Eleanor and Mansfield together. Her face froze.


    So, Eleanor really was going to Kingston with him.


    n," she called softly.


    Henry quickly interjected, "I checked with the doctor. He said it''s fine. Vanessa just wanted to get out for a bit—"


    Vanessa managed a weak smile. "Don''t worry,n. I won''t get in the way of your work."


    She turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, it''s been ages."


    Eleanor ignored her, eyes fixed on her phone. Henry noticed the coldness and frowned, thinking Eleanor''s behavior was unnecessarily rude.


    Just then, Mansfield slid an arm around Eleanor''s shoulders. "There''s a café outside. Let''s go get a coffee."


    Eleanor was more than happy to leave the room; she nodded and followed him out.<pn watched them go, Mansfield''s arm protectively around Eleanor, his own gaze darkening, his hand unconsciously clenching into a fist.